Stand against White Supremacy.

There is a distinct disparity in the chances of being shot dead if you're white or black and carrying a slung firearm. But why is that? Surely black people have the same Amendment rights as white people. If black people care about civil rights and exercise their right's to protest, how could they be much more likely to have their lives taken from them?

White Supremacy.

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The simple answer that white people selectively choose to ignore. White supremacy is prevalent and it's ideology systemic. It is the system that is tailored specifically to grant rights to white people with more emphasis and care than the supposed same rights to black people.

People grow up unaware of this subtle difference. We live in a sea of white supremacy and we barely notice it, just like how fish rarely notice the water they swim in. We live in a society where we can breathe the air around us with no hesitation, with no second thought while our black friends and neighbours are quite literally gasping for air.

Opportunity for change.

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Right now, amidst our own front doors, in our very own homes, is an opportunity to make a change. To unveil the hypocrisy, the repression, the choking and hypocrisy of white supremacy. We have the chance to ensure our black friends and neighbours have the right to breathe and the same rights as anyone else to protest and engage in difficult conversation.

Many of us -including myself and I won't dismiss it- have come to the understanding that white supremacy is real, and not only is it real, it is all around us, suffocating well-meaning, friendly people that we all know. It is near enough ubiquitous. But that doesn't mean it is right, it doesn't mean it should be accepted, and it doesn't mean we should leave things as they are - status quo.

Things you can do.

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There is a pretty good chance that this epiphany has yet to emerge from people around you, and people you care about. Heck, I didn't have this epiphany until far too late in my life. But that doesn't mean we can't take action on what is right. No, blacking out your socials, and hashtagging #blackouttuesday isn't enough. Instead, you should do this:

• Sit down with people you are close to, those who don't understand what white supremacy is, and have these uncomfortable conversations with them. If they don't understand, then reiterate.

• Read "How To Be An Anti-Racist" by Ibram X. Kendi. And pass that long as well.

• Donate to one of the few organisations bailing out protesters. A good place to start would be the Minnesota Freedom Fund. And don't be afraid to ask others to donate as well. Remember, saying something for the cause is lauded and earns you a gold star, but taking action gets results.

It is long past time that these words cease to be a slogan and become a practical, political, and policy reality:

Black lives matter.